Original version

BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Radio 4

Radio 4 (FM)

File on 4

Documentaries

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

Factual: Politics

Award-winning current affairs documentary series

Award-winning current affairs documentary series investigating major issues at home and abroad

BBC Radio 4 LW

File on 4: Power Games

Power Games

BBC Radio 4 - File on 4, Power Games

Are companies ‘gaming’ the system of green subsidies designed to reduce farm pollution?

File on 4 asks if the system of subsidies to reduce farm pollution has been ‘gamed’ - amid allegations that oversight and audit have been weak. 

Northern Ireland has some of the highest rates in Europe of pollution linked to agricultural waste – the by-product of intensive pig, poultry and cattle farming. One solution is to turn the waste into energy through green recycling schemes that attract multi-million pound subsidies. But is the system being ‘gamed’ by industry? 

An investigation by BBC Radio 4’s File on 4 programme has found that some waste-to-energy schemes are receiving public cash despite operating without planning approval. Their aim was to reduce harmful emissions and pollution, but there are mounting concerns that some schemes have exacerbated environmental harm. The energy regulator OFGEM is responsible for administering the waste-to-energy schemes. Are they doing enough to protect the public's money and has yet another green subsidy effectively back-fired?

Reporter: Lesley Curwen
Producer: David Lewis
Editor: Gail Champion

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

File on 4

Power Games

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4